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11, <br />• Fertilization <br />Trees, like people, need a proper <br />macronutrients: calcium, <br />diet to maintain their health. Without <br />magnesium, and sulfur. Also <br />an adequate nutrient supply, trees <br />important are the micronutrients: <br />decline in vigor, and ultimately lose <br />iron, manganese, zinc, copper, <br />their ability to defend against disease <br />boron, chlorine, and molybdenum, <br />and insect attacks. <br />which are required in lesser <br />amounts. <br />In natural settings nutrients are <br />continually replenished into the soil <br />via decomposing organic materials <br />(leaves, branches, fruit, etc.). Trees <br />in human -made settings lack this <br />nutrient cycle, as fallen debris is <br />collected and disposed. In addition, <br />construction activities typically <br />disturb and/or displace native soil, <br />• rendering it nutrient -poor. Therefore, <br />it becomes necessary to supplement <br />the tree's nutrient supply through <br />fertilization. <br />The addition of nutrients helps the <br />tree produce larger, darker leaves, <br />and stimulates greater twig and root <br />growth. In this way the tree's overall <br />vigor is improved. A vigorous tree <br />can naturally defend itself against <br />threats by insects and diseases. <br />Fertilizers for trees normally contain <br />three elements: nitrogen (N), <br />phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), <br />collectively known as <br />macronutrients. Other essential <br />nutrients include the secondary <br />S & S fertilize trees by soil <br />injection —placing macronutrients (N, <br />P, and K) in liquid solution directly <br />into the root zone. This method has <br />the added benefit of aerating the soil. <br />Micronutrients are typically injected <br />in capsules directly into the trunk, <br />although they can be incorporated <br />into soil injection solutions. <br />Tree fertilization should occur in <br />either spring or fall, although it is <br />beneficial to fertilize trees with <br />severe nutrient deficiencies at any <br />time during the growing season. <br />S & S Recommendations <br />1. Fertilize annually to improve and <br />maintain health and vigor. <br />2. Fertilize both spring and fall for <br />trees under stress due to insect, <br />disease, or other factors. <br />3. Mulch root system area with wood <br />chips to a depth of 2 to 4 inches. <br />S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialists, Inc. <br />6214 East Concord Boulevard • Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 • (651) 451-8907 <br />